In a dramatic turn of events in international waters, the Iranian oil tanker ‘Ping Shan’ has diverted its course from India to China. According to ship-tracking firm Kpler, the Aframax vessel, carrying approximately 600,000 barrels of crude oil, was initially signaling towards India’s Vadinar port. However, after crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the ship took a sharp turn and is now heading for China’s Dongying port.

This shipment was expected to be the first supply of Iranian oil to India since May 2019, when New Delhi halted imports due to US sanctions. Although recent temporary waivers suggested a resumption of trade, complications regarding payments, insurance, and shipping logistics appear to have derailed the plan. Once a top buyer of Iranian crude, India used to fulfill 11.5% of its oil needs from Tehran. The sudden redirection of ‘Ping Shan’ raises fresh questions about the geopolitical and financial hurdles still blocking India’s access to Iranian energy.